Maxime Crepeau’s three-save performance led Canada to a 0-0 draw against Chile at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night, securing Canada’s place in the Copa America quarterfinals during their debut in the tournament.
Chile was reduced to 10 men when Gabriel Suazo received his second yellow card in the 27th minute.
Despite this advantage, Canada couldn’t capitalize. Suazo’s first yellow card came in the 12th minute, culminating in a red card.
Gabriel Arias made two saves for Chile 0-1-2, while Crepeau, the goalkeeper for Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers, had one save in the first half.
Canada advanced to the quarterfinals, set to begin on Thursday, thanks to Group A leader Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru.
Argentina, the reigning champions, won all three of their group matches. They secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final.
Both Argentina and Uruguay have claimed the title 15 times.
Chile finished the group stage without their head coach, Ricardo Gareca, who was suspended for one match due to a late substitution during halftime in their loss to Argentina on Tuesday.
Canada achieved a milestone by defeating Peru for the first time in their second group match.
This match marked the first encounter between Canada and Chile in the 21st century.
Canada aims to become the fourth team to win more than one match in its inaugural Copa America appearance. Uruguay achieved this in 1916, Mexico in 1993, and Honduras in 2001.
Chile’s failure to score in all three matches of this Copa America is a rare occurrence, last happening in 1917.
